DePaul Industries incorporated in 1971 and opened its doors in 1972 as a job shop. Over the years, DePaul Industries engaged in a number of entrepreneurial efforts, including lawn furniture, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and bus shelter cleaning. In the late 1970s, DePaul began doing soldering and sub-assemblies for Freightliner Corporation, which soon became one of DePaul's largest customers. In 1989, DePaul started a temporary staffing agency, followed by a security service in 1994. The following year, DePaul received the distinguished Portland Chamber of Commerce "Top Ten Growth Award".

DePaul Industries now devotes its focus to three core areas: Food & Consumer Goods Packaging, Staffing Services, and Security Services. All businesses are supported by certified training programs that prepare workers for the ever-changing needs and expectations of industry. Over the past five years, DePaul has employed over 5,000 individuals and paid over $43 million in wages.

1971-1976

• Barney Comerford receives a grant from the Society of St. Vincent DePaul to start a work center for people with disabilities.

• Henry J. Casey donates a vacant building on NE Union Avenue (now Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) to serve as headquarters of the new venture.

• DePaul Industries opens its doors with five workers with disabilities.

• By the fall of 1973, 30 to 40 individuals with disabilities are in training and working each day on contract production tasks.

1977-1982

• The growth of DePaul Industries surpasses even the most optimistic of forecasts, as the budget nears $1.7 million.

• DePaul Industries lands several new manufacturing contracts, with new equipment purchased and more space needed.

1983-1988

• DePaul Industries begins doing business with Freightliner Corporation.

• The Board recruits a business-oriented MBA graduate as its executive director.

• Major building renovations and additions begin.

1989-1994

• DePaul Industries shifts to a business focus, while preserving its mission of helping people with disabilities to have the opportunity to work.

• Additional businesses and jobs are created, including fresh- squeezed orange juice, lawn furniture preparation, and bus shelter cleaning.

• DePaul Industries begins a Temporary Staffing Services agency.

• The relationship with Freightliner Corporation continues to flourish as it becomes DePaul Industries’ largest manufacturing customer.

1995-2000

• DePaul Industries wins the distinguished Portland Chamber of Commerce “Top Ten Growth Award” in 1995.

• A new business, Security Services, begins and has an immediate impact.

• DePaul Industries partners with a local company, Scan One, to provide document imaging services to government and private industry.

2000-2004

• In response to the economic recession, DePaul Industries streamlines to three core businesses: Security Services, Staffing Services, and Food & Consumer Goods Packaging.

• Freightliner business dwindles. Focus is shifted to packaging of food and other consumer goods.

• DePaul Industries’ Board of Directors approves a new, aggressive business plan that focuses on strengthening the organization’s financial condition and creating new work opportunities for people with disabilities.

2004-2006

• The Food & Consumer Goods Packaging Division opens new plant at Hayden Island and earns certifications as organic and kosher packager.

• The Food & Consumer Goods Packaging expands to nearly 100,000 square feet, with the most modern production machinery on the market.

• Temporary Staffing Services and Security Services aggressively expand into the commercial sector and broaden geographic coverage.